Ruby Brown Van Sickle Wilcox (1880–1968)
RUBY BROWN VAN SICKLE WILCOX
(1880-1968)
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me,
I shall come out as gold.
Job 23:10
Author's note: Ruby was the mother of 11 children and grandmother to more than I know at this moment. She was MY grandmother. She is the only grandparent I remember. I remember her as an elderly "saint" in the Lord and knew she was praying for all her children and grandchildren. In authoring this paper, I realize much of my 'view' of her was based on my parents, aunts and uncles respect for her and that my first-person knowledge was limited. As I researched her history, I admire even more her character and strength. While I probably can't share my awe, I have endeavored to share information about her life. I believe she was reflecting God's light on my journey to become a Christian. I pray one day my grandchildren will say the same of me.
Bonny (Wilcox) Collins February 2018
Ruby Brown Van Sickle was born 18 May 1880, on a farm in Porter Township, Delaware County, Ohio. She was a 6th generation American and 3rd generation to be born in Delaware County Ohio. The 1880 Census was taken when she was 2 weeks old, and she had not yet been named. Ruby was the first of four children: three girls (Ruby, her sisters Pearl Clara, 1884 and Hallie Odessa, 1887) and 12 years younger, a brother, (Paul Clear Van Sickle, 1892). Porter Township was then and is still today a rural farming area in central Ohio. In the summer of 2017, we explored central Ohio looking for ancestral homes and sites. We had trouble finding Porter Township, in fact, there was just a small road sign and no 'town', only farms. That was an important 'visual' to help me 'see' their lives.
Ancestor’s
Ancestor's
This paper strives to present Ruby in context of the legacy of her ancestors as well as the times in which she lived. It is hard to be brief in summarizing ancestors on both sides. I find their stories compelling both in overall big picture and small vignettes. If you get lost or bored, skip on to, "Ruby Brown Van Sickle".
Van Sickles
Van Sickles:
Ferdinanus Van Sycklin was born in the Netherlands about 1635. In 1652, at age 17, he immigrated to New Amsterdam (later renamed, New York City when taken over by the British in 1664).
In 1660, Ferdinanus Van Sycklin married, Eva Antonis Jansen Van Salee, the daughter of legendary parents; Anthony J Van Salee, the son of a Dutch pirate (by way of Morocco) and (folk lore, "first lady of the evening") tavern keeper, Grietje Reiners of unknown origin.
Van Salee's father was Dutch and his mother from Morocco. He was a mulatto.
He and his wife Grietje who originally settled in what is now Manhattan, were apparently contentious neighbors and firmly "asked" to leave. They apparently were not necessarily compliant with British rules. In one of their many court disputes, when they lost a judgement, they had agreed to "better comport themselves according to Christian standards". They moved across the river to Brooklyn and had substantial land holdings next to what is now Coney Island. The had four daughters who all married respectable residents. Their fourth daughter, Eva was baptized in the Dutch Reformed Church.
The Dutch Reformed Church records are a main source of information for the following families for several generations.
Ferdinanus and Eva Van Sycklin had 8 children, (3 sons and 5 daughters all born on Long Island, Kings County, New York). Their first child was Reinier Van Sycklin, born about 1661. In 1687 He married Jannetye Van Hooren. Reinier and Jannetye had four boys. The oldest one stayed on Long Island. The second oldest, Cornelius Van Sicklen, in his 20's and his two younger brothers migrated about 50 miles away to the Raritan Valley, New Jersey after their parents died. They were early settlers in this area between 1712-1716. They were all three pioneers and farmers.
Cornelius Van Sicklen married Maria and had at least four children. The second son was Andrew born in Hunterdon County, NJ in 1716. In about 1740, Andrew Van Sicklen married Marie and they had eleven children, six sons and five daughters all born in Hunterdon County. About 1780 Andrew and his grown sons moved north to Wantage, Sussex county, New Jersey to farm. Of interest, three of the daughters removed to Western New York State and one, Lydia, later removed to Delaware County, Ohio. This is of interest for two reasons. 1) The Bixby line came from Western NY State and on to Delaware County, Ohio (later); 2) Lydia's nephew John Van Sickle will also move to Deleware County, Ohio in 1816.
In all, our direct ancestors farmed in New Jersey for about 100 years. The Van Sickle name is still prominent today in both counties.
In 2018, I had the opportunity to visit the communities in which they lived; Raritan River Valley, Hunterdon and Sussex Counties. Because of the proximity to New York City, I expected those parts of New Jersey today to be suburbs or industrialized. I was wonderfully surprised to find them to be extensively forested residential and farm lands still today. It was easy to imagine what the first pioneers in the area would have faced.
In the autumn of 1816, John Van Sickle, 25, moved his wife, Susannah (Wyker) and small son to Kingston Township, Delaware County, Ohio where a cousin (Peter) had recently relocated. The two VanSickle cousins were early pioneers, the township having been chartered just three years prior. The History of Delaware County, Ohio (p563), records, "John Van Sickle was an enterprising and intelligent farmer, and an exemplary Christian". The Van Sickles were two of the wealthiest settlers in the area. John had a large farm of several hundred acres, established a saw mill and subsequently gave each of his 8 children 100 acres and "Did the work of a pioneer". John Van Sickle was instrumental in establishing and supporting the, "Old Blue" Presbyterian church in Kingston Township. In the 1860's the denomination split over the issue of slavery. He, 'upheld his Christian principles" and left that church to help build the New School Presbyterian Church of East Liberty in Porter Township which he attended until his death. His home was donated to become the parsonage. He donated land there for a cemetery. He and many family members spanning five generations are interred there.
I believe we were fortunate to have our family's geography centered in New England and the mid-west. Beginning with the first census in the late 1700's to the Civil War, 1860, each census asks about slaves. Even though some of the areas our ancestors lived allowed slaves, none of our ancestors owned any.
Ruby Van Sickle's family history stayed pretty much within this area for about 150 years; from 1816 through the mid 1900's. Family members live there today. Just above Porter Township, is Bennington Township in Morrow County, Ohio. That is the township where Ruby Wilcox lived after her marriage, most of the time during the 1920-40's.
Almost all early family records and document refer to Olive Green, East Liberty, Kingston Township, Porter Township, Delaware County, Morrow County and Bennington Township. For a very long time I was confused about why they moved about and how they could have gotten together from different places. When I finally went there in 2017, it was and still is just farmland spread over approximately five-ten miles with communities, townships and counties overlaying names, it made more sense.
While the Van Sickles were pioneers and 'new settlers' in New York, New Jersey and Ohio, they generally appeared to have been prosperous and successful, having large families and living long lives.
John's third (of 8) child, Peter Van Sickle (Ruby's grandfather), born in 1820 in Delaware County, Ohio, experienced a different life. Up to his mid-30's Peter's history seems unremarkable. He appeared to have been a successful farmer. He married Alma Elizabeth Price in 1846. They had four children:
Daughter, Drusilla born when Peter was 27
Son, Winfield Scott, born when Peter was 28
Son, John Clayton (Clate), born when Peter was 30
Son, Addison born when Peter was 31
They were living on their farm not far from other family members, father, sister, etc.
I list the following facts recorded in historical documents without comment as to whether there was any causal relationship between the events. When Peter was 34, his youngest child Addison died at the age of three years (cause is unrecorded). Reportedly, Peter attended some type of a religious service (perhaps a tent revival?) and for approximately two years his behavior was erratic. On 31 Jan 1856, when Peter was 35, his sister, Drusilla's, husband, Dr. Henry Besse, 31, who was an MD, wrote a report for the probate court declaring Peter insane. Further testimony was provided by Peter's brother, William W. Van Sickle, 29. His behavior was described as 1-2 hours of being quite rational, then absolute raving so much so that it took 3-4 men to hold him with his hands tied the duration of 4-5 days. Of interest to medical historians, is the description of the treatment of the time: "The medical treatment in the case has been profuse Bloodletting and cathartics with large doses of morphine in order to produce sleep, but with no apparent affect." Hmmm, go figure.
On 31 Jan 1856, the probate judge ordered, William Van Sickle to take his brother, Peter, to the Ohio Lunatic Asylum in Columbus. Peter was delivered there, 4 Feb 1856. He died 21 Feb 1856. Cause unknown. This is the stuff from which nightmares arise.
I include this vignette about Peter Van Sickle for three reasons:
Mental illness is little talked about in family histories, and I think it important to know it can happen anywhere to any family.
Peter's symptoms could well have been a bi-polar disorder (manic-depressive) which today could have been treated and managed WELL with medications, allowing him to continue with a productive life and significantly less trauma for his family. We have come a long way in 150 years.
The impact of this two-year period and subsequent events had to have been profound on the family at that time.
Our focus now moves to Peter's child John Clayton Van Sickle (Ruby's father). In later life, he was called "Clate". He was about 4 years old at the onset of his father's disease and was 5 at his death. His mother, Alma Elizabeth, remarried a year after the death of Peter. She had a baby then soon after her 2nd husband died. When Clate was 9 years old, his mother married again. That year's 1860 census (4 years after the death of Peter), records John C, 9, living with his mother, 33, step-father, James Sacket, 40; siblings, Drucilla, 13, Winfield Scott, 11, Ella 6 (step-sister), and Mary S (1/2 sister). They were surrounded by Van Sickle relatives, literally next door (Peter's sister, Drusilla, & Dr. Henry Besse), Peter's brother William W Van Sickle, Peter's sister, Mary and Charles Wilcox (no I can't find a connection to Winfield Wilcox yet to come, but I bet they are related). In 1860 there were lots of aunts, uncles and cousins close by. I have no way of knowing, I only hope they were supportive and helpful to this family. From accounts of his pleasant personality in his later years, it is a realistic hope.
In 1870, Clate, age 19, cannot be found in the census. Extensive family were living in the area: grandfather, John Van Sickle, and at least 3 uncles/aunts, several cousins, both of his full siblings, ½ sibling and step sibling, mother and step-father are all to be found in the census. They are all recorded as being able to read and write.
In his obituary, Clate was reported to have joined the Olive Green Congregational Church as a young man. Since his grandfather, was a key founder of the Presbyterian church in East Liberty and was alive at the time, it is of interest as to how decisions were made when he was a child as to which church he would attend. Perhaps, "young man" meant 28 when he married; or perhaps his step-father James Sacket took them to the Congregational Church.
In 1875, his mother died when John Clayton Van Sickle was 24. I assume Clate stayed in Delaware County Ohio and was a farmer up to the next recorded document of 13 March 1879, when in his home county of Delaware Ohio, he applied for a marriage license at the age of 28.
Dora Estella Sherman, Ruby’s mother
DORA ESTELLA SHERMAN, (Ruby's mother)
In discussing Ruby's mother, I am not going back to the origins of the family line (as we did with the Van Sickles) to the United States for two reasons. First, I don't know it. Second, I believe the relevant impact on Ruby was her mother, Dora's own history. So, we will start there.
When DORA ESTELLA SHERMAN was born on August 15, 1855, in Mansfield, Ohio, her father, Augustus, was 43, and her mother, Martha, was 41. They married at ages 16 &18. They were farmers, as were most of the country at that time. They had eleven children in their 22 years of marriage. The older four were boys who were in their late teens to early 20's when Dora was born. The significance to Dora's birth order, is that her mother, Martha, died seven days after Dora's birth. At the time of Martha's death, there were five girls ages 13, 12, 10, 8 and 4. Two additional babies had died in infancy (3 and 6 months) in the preceding 5 years. I can only conclude life was hard for this family. The family story written at the time, describe Martha as deciding her childless Congregational Pastor and wife should take her newborn baby in light of her pending death. The Rev. Aaron and Aseneth Brown were both about 34 years old and had been married for 13 years. They raised Dora from birth.
Augustus Sherman married again and had more children by his second much younger wife. The Browns lived near the Sherman family for the following nine years, while Dora's father was alive. By the time Dora was 14, the Brown family had moved to the frontier town of Sedalia, Missouri. In the 1870 Census, Dora was listed as Dora Brown (not Sherman). Rev. Brown was recorded as a clergyman and noted in the newspaper as leading Temperance Meetings, but not listed as a senior pastor of any of the churches there. He was affiliated with the Congregational Church.
The Browns moved back to Porter Township, Ohio when Dora Estella Van Sickle was about 19. At some point she began using the name, "Stella" for the rest of her adult life. The family attended the Olive Green Congregational church where John Clayton, "Clate", Van Sickle was a member. I believe Rev. Brown may have been the Clergyman for the church.
13 Mar 1879, Dora Estella, 23 and John Clayton "Clate" Van Sickle were married. The ceremony was officiated by, her foster father, Rev. Brown.
"At the time of her marriage Stella was a member of the Congregational Church at Olive Green, remaining a faithful member until the church disbanded some years later. She united with the Porter Presbyterian Church remaining a faithful member up to the time of her death. She was also a loyal member of the King's Daughters' Society having been one of the organizers."
Ruby Brown Van Sickle
Ruby Brown Van Sickle
On the 18th of May 1880, Clate and Stella welcomed their first child. When the census was taken two weeks after her birth she was listed as "infant". Apparently, they hadn't decided on a name yet. It appears her parents saw her as a gem and named her Ruby. There were no other discovered apparent preceding family members with that name. Her middle name, Brown was obviously in honor of the Browns that raised Stella. The next daughter, born four years later, was named Pearl, another gem.
During this period, Ohio had one of the highest literacy rates in the USA. State taxes to support education had been established for almost 60 years. At this time and during the following generation most education in rural Ohio was delivered in one room school houses. Public education was through 8th grade. She was functional in the world of reading, writing and managing necessary affairs during her long life.
The community in which Ruby was born was agricultural for miles. Her parents owned their farm without a mortgage (1880). Sometime during Ruby's childood, her father, Clate, added owning and running a Mercantile Store. It was probably in the early 1880's when the area was thriving. His obituary and family tradition remember him primarily for the store. The store was in East Liberty (small village in Porter Township) and contained a wide variety of goods necessary in the community. Early on it also used a "Huckster Wagon" to go from farm to farm selling products that might be needed.
The Congregational Church in Olive Green, where the Van Sickles attended, closed in the mid-1880's. They then began attending First Presbyterian Church of Porter, East Liberty. (the two churches are about a mile apart). Rev. Brown, began to pastor the from Jan 1887 to the time of his death, Dec 1891.
May 10, 1891, almost 11-year-old Ruby Van Sickle professed her faith. After being questioned and satisfactory answers given, was baptized by her grandfather, Rev. Brown. He died a few months later.
Sometime during this period, the Hicks family (Winfield Wilcox's mother and step-father) also became members. That is, mother, father and later 3 younger siblings. It does not appear Winfield was ever baptized or became a member. It is unknown whether he ever attended.
Later Ruby's younger siblings were baptized as were Winfield Wilcox's younger ½ siblings, Bessie and Zella Hicks.
Miss Bessie Hicks Dec 30, 1894
Winfield Wilcox's younger ½ sister)
Miss Pearl C Vansickle, Mar 29, 1896 (Ruby's younger sister
Miss Wealtha Mozella Hicks, Mar 29, 1896 (Winfield Wilcox's younger ½ sister)
Miss Hallie Odessa Vansickle Apr 4, 1897
(Ruby's younger sister)
Paul Clare Vansickle Apr 4, 1897
(Ruby's younger brother)
The girls were all 10-1I years old when they were baptized. Pearl and Winfield Wilcox's sister, Zella, were both 10-11 and baptized the same day. I believe they were probably good friends. At the time Pearl and Zella were baptized, Ruby would have been 16 and Winfield, 22. They would be married three years later.
I wish I knew more about Ruby's childhood. I imagine her life in the 1880's on a farm in Ohio with two younger sisters and a brother. Perhaps it was like "Little House on the Prairie". Although it wasn't prairie, it was farming in the same period. Since her father ran a Mercantile Store, I imagine she may have helped there when she was older. There was generational history of relative prosperity.
There were many relatives living in the area. Her great grandfather, John Van Sickle, had been instrumental in establishing the Presbyterian church they attended. The generations of her family had attended there. I didn't track all the cousins of her generation to search church records to see if they were there, but it is reasonable to believe at least some of them were there as she was growing up.
What is clear in the records, however, is that during the later period of her growing up years, 1890-1900, the small towns, of Olive Green and East Liberty (less than a mile apart) were in decline. The anticipated railroad went in a different direction and left them isolated except for the surrounding farms. New states opening in the west were now providing competition for Ohio's record of grain production for the USA. There was a national panic and four-year depression beginning in 1893. I don't know how insulated they were in their corner of the world. The mercantile business survived through 1900, but not to 1910 by which time Clate Van Sickles health required him to live with his daughter, Pearl.
Winfield Wilcox — Future Husband
WINFIELD WILCOX - FUTURE HUSBAND
At the time of Ruby's birth in 1880, her future husband, Winfield Wilcox, and family lived in Porter Township as well. Winfield was 6-years-old living with his widowed mother, Martha Wilcox, 29, and Freada, his 8-year-old sister. Martha's occupation was listed as, weaver. The family was sharing a house with 5 other adults and a 5-year-old boy.
Winfield's father, Barnum "Barney" Wilcox (Jr), had been orphaned at age 10. His older brother Robert was 12, when their parents died. Barnum Sr. died in April and Julia five months later in Dec 1851. It is unknown where the boys lived until they were old enough to enlist in the Ohio Infantry for the Civil War. Barney enlisted at the beginning of the war in Aug 1861 at age 19. In April 1962, he was listed as a deserter. In later registration for the draft, he reports he had been discharged. No apparent action seems to have been taken if he had deserted. His vision was not noted to be impaired at that registration after his service. Barney and his older brother Robert married two sisters Martha and Eveline Spangler. In the 1870 census, Barney, 27, was recorded as blind and a broom maker. Robert and Eveline Wilcox live nearby with their six children. The parents of Martha & Eveline had also lived nearby, (John & Abigail Spangler) in 1870. Barney died of unknown causes a few months prior to Winfield's birth in 1874 at the age of 31.
While Winfield's mother, was a widow at age 25, with two small children, she did have family (both Wilcox and Spangler) nearby. John Wesley Hicks (listed as Wesley in the census) had been living with his parents on a nearby farm in 1880. In 1882, when Winfield was 8-years-old, Martha, 32, married John W. Hicks, 27. They had three more children; Bessie, 1883, Mozella 1885 and Charles 1888. Sometime after 1891 when Ruby Van Sickle was baptized and before 1894 when Bessie Hicks was baptized, both Mr. and Mrs. Hicks became members #60 and #61 of First Presbyterian Church of Porter; the church the Van Sickles had been attending since at least 1887. It is certainly possible the Hicks had been attending prior to their membership. Winfield would have been a late teen-ager when his mother and step-father joined the church.
Mr. and Mrs. Hicks continued to live in the same or county next to Winfield all their lives. John Hicks died in 1917 at age 63. Martha lived to be 72 years-old and died in 1922. She lived to see ten of Winfield's eleven children.
Winfield had an older brother, Norris who died as an infant before Winfield was born. He also had a sister, Freada who was two years older.
Courtship and Marriage
Courtship and Marriage:
As census and church records reflect, Ruby's and Winfield's families lived near each other since her birth. Both families were farmers initially. The Van Sickle ancestors had been relatively wealthy landowners in the county for three generations. Ruby's dad had also owned and operated the Mercantile Store in New Liberty in addition to their farm. The Van Sickles and the Hicks attended the same church. and farmed near each other.
In adult years, Ruby did not dance, go to movies, play cards, wear make-up, cut her hair, wear men's clothes (slacks). What they did that counted as 'courtship' would have been interesting to know. I suspect talking, walking, perhaps music would have composed a significant part. However, if my grandchildren had to describe what my courtship had been like… well let's just say grandchildren may not be the best guessers of what their grandparents' courtship was composed.
In their later years. Much of their social life seems to be centered around family visits.
Missing in the church documents are any record of Winfield. Most children's baptisms are when they are ages 9-12. Those ages for Winfield would have been in a previous volume of church records that are not available. In 1911 when the church was in decline, they recorded, 'subscriptions' to meet the financial needs. Mr. Winfield Wilcox was listed as nonmember but donating. All previous people baptized were recorded as members, thus I suspect Winfield was not baptized in this church.
Yes, I know I am giving church attendance and records an inordinate amount of space. There are two reasons for that.
Church activities were the center of social and cultural life in rural Ohio in the 1890's.
Church records are where a large percentage of historical information is found. During the time period we have covered there are few government records.
Ruby Wilcox in her adult years was well known for her love for church, faithful attendance and concern for others. Since this was so important to her as an adult, I am curious as to how important this was to her in mate selection and courting. It is well known, Winfield did not attend church with her in their marriage. So, the question is:
Did he attend with her in their courting and then change and not attend later? or
Did he not attend with her in their courting and was it not important to her at then? or
Did he not attend with her at their courting and it was important, but she thought it would change? or
Did they both not attend during their courting and something changed for her later?
Having this same situation repeated in my parents' lives, where my mother faithfully attended church and my father did not, I may be exploring this question more than the reader cares to endure. I wish I had had adult conversations with both my grandmother and mother when they were available.
I can't help but wonder what Ruby's father, the patriarch thought of this young man coming to court his eldest daughter. I wonder what kind of a young man Winfield was. I can't find any records to provide a clue to his character. I suspect his personality was "energetic" since in later years he was described as "Windy Wilcox". I don't believe that referred to flatulence. It was used in context of verbosity and force of personality.
Aug 15, 1899, Ruby Brown Van Sickle, 19, married Winfield Oliver Wilcox, 25. Their marriage license list them as each living in the unincorporated community of Kingston Center, Delaware County, Ohio. The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. W.D. Wallace who was then pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
Newly Weds: Surrounded by family
The Jan 1, 1900 censes, record Winfield, 26, and Ruby, 20, renting a house in Porter Township., (fam. #15) Delaware County. Winfield was a "day laborer". They had been married 9 1/2 months and their first child Estella Isabelle Wilcox was born 6 days after the census interview.
Next door, Winfield's mother Martha (49) was living with her 2nd husband, John Hicks, 46, farmer (fam. #16) and their children, Weltha, 13, and Charles, 11 years-old.
Winfield's older sister Freada, had married, James Gleason. They had been living nearby with their 6-year-old daughter, Eva. Freada had died some months prior to the census. Bessie Hicks (Winfield and Freada's half-sister), 17, was in the home of the recent widower (fam. # 164) and listed as 'servant'. I suspect she was taking care of 6-year-old Eva.
Winfield's Uncle, Robert Wilcox (Barney's older brother) & Aunt Eveline (his mother's sister) (fam. 171) and their son, cousin, Lethco Wilcox (fam.#181) were all in Porter Township.
Ruby's parents (Clate, 49, and Dora, 44, Van Sickle) and three younger siblings, Clara Pearl, 15, Hallie O, 12, and Paul 8 were also living in Porter Township (fam #176). Clate was listed as 'grocer' (General Store)
All those mentioned above could read and write.
Homes and Livelihood
Homes and Livelihood
It Is difficult to trace their exact movements due to nonspecific rural addresses over the years. They could have moved, and it looked like they were in the same place, or they could have been in the same place and it looked like they had moved. What is clear is, they stayed in the same area (10 mile radius) through all the addresses.
By their 3rd year of marriage, 1902, they had moved to Bennington Township, Morrow County (a few miles away). They were there for about eight years where 4 more children born; Vera, 1902, Aleta Irene, 1904, Gerald, 1907 and Gladys 1909. I am sure they were all born at home.
In, 1906, Winfield's Uncle Robert Wilcox passed away; 1910, his Aunt Eveline died also. (both interred in Starks Cemetery). In 1917, Winfield's step-father, John Hicks and in 1922 his mother Martha died.
1909, had to have been a hard year for Ruby, 29. In February, when Ruby was 6 months pregnant with her 5th child, her mother Dora Estella Van Sickle, 53½ years old passed away from Cancer of the Liver that had been diagnosed about 6½ months earlier. Three months after her mother's death, when Ruby delivered her baby girl, Gladys, the baby had a severe birth defect (spina bifida) and lived only 2 ½ days.
The following year, in the 1910 census, Winfield, 35, Ruby, 29, and family had moved back to Porter Township, Delaware County. I believe they moved back to help Ruby's newly widowed father and they
rented the family farm. Winfield was listed as the Head of House, farmer and renting the farm. Ruby's father (Clate Van Sickle, 60) and her brother (Paul, 18) were living with them and listed as, 'father-in-law' and 'brother-in-law" to Head of House. Both Clate and Paul were listed as farm laborers. There is no mention of the Mercantile store.
Ruby's younger sister, Pear, 24 had married Frank McKay, 30. They and their daughter Pauline 2 years-old, were renting the farm next door. Frank's occupation was listed as farmer.
Winfield and Ruby lived on the farm in Porter Township from about 1910-1919. During that time, four boys were added; Vaughn, 1910, Gail, 1913, Carrol, 1916 and Darwin, 1918.
Included is a picture of their home in 1916, the year Carrol Wilcox (my father) was born. If I am correct, this was also the John Clayton (Clate) Van Sickle farm and where Ruby was born and grew up. If you look at the previous picture of the house Ruby was born in, I believe it is a front view of the same house.
World War 1
World War 1
1914: WWI Began in Europe
1917 U.S. Entered the War
1918 November 11th at 11:00 am the war ended.
Twenty-five million were killed in the on War both sides
Military: There were three draft registrations for WW1.
Jun 1917 for all men ages 21-31;
Jun 1918 for men who had turned 21 in the past year
Sep 1918 for all men ages 18-45
Think about that. At first it was for at least 21-year-olds and cut off at 31. A year later they wanted 'new' 21-year-olds. Six months later they wanted ALL 18 to 45-year-olds. Imagine the feelings of the 3rd batch to register. For historical purpose, those registrations can provide interesting information.
Hubert Van Sickle, 21 (Estella Wilcox's future husband): was drafted in the 2nd group, a new 21-year-old in 1918. He served from Sep 1918 - Mar 1919 in the United States. (Not overseas)
Winfield Wilcox, age 44: Winfield registered for the draft in 1918. He listed his permanent address as Delaware County, Ohio and his occupation as farmer. He was not drafted. None of the children were required to register.
By 1920, Winfield, 45, Ruby, 39 and children ranging in age from 19 to 1, moved back to Bennington Township, Morrow County. It is unknown if they went back to the same farm they had been at from 1902-1909. What is known, is that the farm they were on in 1920, they owned, with a mortgage, and stayed there over ten years.
1920 19th Amendment to the USA Constitution was ratified giving women the right to vote
In 1920, when Ruby was 40 years old, the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, allowing women the right to vote. So, did Ruby, register and vote? That was an interesting question to research. As it turns out, Ohio did not require voters to register prior to 1977. So, records as to whether she voted or not are not apparently available. I suspect she may never have voted.
The following is a snapshot of the family in 1920 and a biographical sketch of the children 'launching' out of the home during the 1920's:
Information was collected on Jan 24th for the situation as of Jan 1st, 1920. I don't recognize any of the near neighbors as close relatives.
1920 was the first time in U.S. history that more people lived in cities than on farms. Ruby's daughters were the first generation of women in this family history from the mid-1600's who had jobs outside the home. WW1 changed many things, including the role of women in the work place.
Winfield: 45, farmer, working for himself, so far, all his occupational history has been laborer or farmer. They lived on a farm (no address) in Bennington Township, Morrow County, Ohio. They owned the farm with a mortgage.
Ruby: 39, occupation was listed as 'none'; she has had 9 children, 8 living, to date and will have two more children over the next 5 years. Her younger sister Hallie was in the next township, married with 5 children under the age of 10.
Estella Isabelle Wilcox, born 8 Jun 1900: age 19, occupation, school teacher. Per family stories it was a one-room school house. For a delightful rabbit trail describing the times, check out this reference, The Ohio Teacher: Vol 41, 1920 Interesting articles about teaching qualifications, compensation, but also education issues as a whole, e.g. aftermath of WW1, off color movies, etc.
May 10th, 1923, Estella married Hubert L. Van Sickle . Over 100 years earlier, two Van Sickle cousins were early pioneers in Ohio. I could not find a link between the two Van Sickles (Hubert and his mother-in-law, Ruby) having searched several generations.
A son, Harold (Rip) Van Sickle, was born 29 Jul 1924 and twin daughters, Geneva Mae and Genevieve Ruby were born 31 Dec 1925. Imagine the joy of keeping up with 3 toddlers under the age of 3!
Harold was drafted in Nov, 1945 late in WW2 for a 1-year term, staying in the USA. After his service, he returned home and farmed for some years before marrying Marcella McKenzie 15 Dec 1966. He and Marcella continued to farm near Marengo the rest of his life. He died in 1989 and rests in Marengo Cemetery, Bennington Township, Morrow County, next to his mother and father.
On Jan 31, 1945, daughter, Geneva Mae Van Sickle, 19, occupation waitress, married Clayton LeRoy Fisher, 21, in Morrow County, Ohio. LeRoy was drafted in the US Army in WWII from 6 Feb 1945 for a term of "the duration of the war plus 6 months". Upon his return, they married 2 ½ months later. They farmed in Morrow County during their lives together. Geneva (Minnie) passed away at age, 43, in 1969 from the effects of Multiple Sclerosis.
On 9 Jun 1946, daughter, Genevieve Ruby Van Sickle, 20, working as a clerk, married Homer Junior Rogers, 20. They ran a general store in Marengo for many years. Homer passed away in 1992. Genevieve (Genny) continued in their home until her recent death, Jan 15, 2018. In June of 2017, my brother, Ron Wilcox, and I had an opportunity to visit her (age 91) in her home.
She had just been given the diagnosis of stomach cancer and told there wasn't anything to be done. She was a peace about her life and her future. She wasn't in any pain and getting around with a walker. She realized at some point she may have to go into a nursing home or hospice, "but, not yet, maybe in the spring". We talked about what she remembered as a child, her memories of our parents, grandparents, etc. It was a wonderful afternoon of being with her.
Hubert & Estella stayed in Morrow or Delaware County farming for the rest of their wonderful lives together. Their home appeared to be the hub of the extended family. There are numerous news clippings over the years of family gatherings at their farm near Marengo. Hubert passed away in 1980, age 83. Estella lived another 21 years, most of it in her own home, continuing to bake pies on Saturday morning even though her eyesight had deteriorated, and she was blind. She participated in a Senior's Band, playing … OK cousins, you tell me… was it drumming on a pot/pan or tissue over a comb??
She lived to be over 100 years old, passing away in 2001. A remarkable and Godly woman.
Yes, we have wondered off the trail of Ruby. But in my defense, it is hard to separate her from the legacy of her children and their lives. All her four daughters, I believe, represented her values and character well. No, they weren't perfect, and I am sure in their youth some may have been quite a handful and made life decisions they could have wished to erase. But as with my own trials and consequences of poor life choices, we can trust God to use them to hone and polish us into being more like His character if we allow it. I believe these daughters and this granddaughter of Ruby, allowed that polishing. In their adult and later years, I believe each one reflected God's love, grace and mercy in their lives.
In 1920, Vera Viola Wilcox b. 9 Mar 1902: 18, had finished high school and was living at home.
Before I proceed to the next years of her life I want to comment about what I remember about her. She was in her mid-50's (late 1950's) when I first remember them coming to visit in Colorado. Rip (Harold), would drive his mother (Aunt Estella) and Aunt Vera from Ohio to Colorado. No small task in those days. What I remember about these two "elderly" Aunts of mine is that they were ALWAYS laughing! They would play pranks on each other, tell stories (wish I could remember them - again, this is an open invitation to siblings/cousins to fill in here) and all around be HAPPY. Aunt Estella was the quieter one; she would sit and crochet (she is the one that taught me how to crochet, when I was about 8). One year when they arrived, they were probably in their 60's, Aunt Vera asked me in front of Aunt Estella, "My, don't you think she looks so much OLDER than I do???" I was too speechless to see the twinkle in her eye. She went on, "after all she's 21 months older than I am!"
Many years later (1973) I stopped in to see them as I was driving from Wisconsin to West Virginia (in the winter) for an interview. I had driven straight through with my 3 & 5 yr. old children. I had previously asked Aunt Vera if she would go with me to watch my children while I was in the interview. I had hit snowy roads and traffic around Chicago and was several hours later getting in than I had anticipated, about midnight. By the time I had gotten there (Columbus, Ohio), she had enlisted Aunt Estella and Uncle Hubert to help. I left the children in Columbus with them and Aunt Vera went with me just to keep me company. It was a wild trip with heavy snow, I'd been driving for over 24 hrs. with a 3-hour nap etc. etc. The rest of the details aren't important, but the point was, my 'up for an adventure' Aunt Vera who was then in her 70's (doesn't seem quite so old now that I'm in that range) was game to go on a road trip through heavy snow storm just to help her niece. It was a wonderful time together. When we got back my kids were well pampered and delighted. Aunt Estella commented on how many bowls of oatmeal they had each eaten for breakfast, when my son piped up, "She let us put SUGAR on our oatmeal!" From then on, I was a legend for having not previously allowed my children sugar.
Back to Vera in the 1920's. When she was 18, her little sister, Rubydell was born; at 22, her little brother, Wayne was born. After completing high school, Vera and her younger sister Irene were able to attend a Business College in Columbus, Ohio. This is the first post high school education for either sex. They worked for their room and board. Vera later had a job as a stenographer. A few delightful letters between the girls and their mother exist.
On June 3rd, 1925, age 23, Vera married George Norton Cross (23) in Bennington Township., Morrow County, Ohio. Her occupation was listed as Stenographer; his as 'packer'. The following year they had a son, Kenneth Cross. By 1927, they were living in Columbus, Ohio; Norton was working as a break man on the railroad which he did for the next five years. They had a daughter, Marilyn, in 1930. That same year Norton was promoted to a head brakeman. All seemed to be going well, Vera and Norton were 28-years-old, had a son, daughter and a good job.
The stock market had crashed, and the country was crashing as well. By 1931, Norton was again working as a packer. Over the next ten years Vera would lose her dearest ones on earth. In 1932, two-year-old daughter, Marilyn, died from complications of pneumonia. Somewhere during this time, Vera herself fell sick. The doctors told her she needed to spend up to 10 months in the hospital. They lost their home. Norton, was approached by an elderly neighbor asking if he and his wife would be willing to move in with him and take care of him for the rest of his life, if we would deed the house over to them. It was a wonderful answer to prayer.
In 1933, Norton was diagnosed with Tuberculosis and died three years later. Three years after that in 1939, her remaining child, Kenneth, 13, had an accident while swimming and suffered a ruptured spleen. He was operated on but died from complications almost four weeks later. In 1940, in Sunbury Ohio, Vera, 38 was listed as head of house. She was caring for an 85-yr-old man.29
Vera wrote in her memories:
"When I was 40 years old and had lost my baby girl 2 years old, then in three years I lost my husband, then in four years I lost my 13-year-old boy, which left me empty, except, I had a close relation with my Lord. I never did question any thing my Lord done, so I just pressed on, knowing His hand was leading me, and I was under His shelter. Five years later a friend of mine, who lived in Columbus invited me to come to her house with, her sister and husband for supper one night. While eating, the subject of "honeymoon" came up. She said, 'Vera, why don't you go on a honeymoon? I said, 'I am afraid it would be lonesome by myself'. Her sister said I have just the man for Vera and she started to tell me. He was a Christian and nice-looking man who had just lost his wife and left him with a little boy 2 years old. She said, 'Would you like to meet him?' I said, 'Yes I would". So, she went to church where they both went, the next Sunday. She told him some things about me and asked him if he would like to meet me. He said, "Yes, I would". So, she set up a Sunday afternoon meeting the next Sunday for us to meet at her house…and when I laid eyes on him, I said, "He is the one for me". We spent the afternoon together. This was April and we were married in August."
On Aug 16, 1941, Vera, 39, married widower, Glen Rader, 43 in Sunbury, Ohio. Glen's first wife had suddenly died the previous year leaving him with 2-year-old, Harry. Vera raised Harry with all the love of her mother heart. She commented in her later years, what a wonderful son Harry had been to her, caring for her in her elder years. When they were married, Glen's occupation was listed as a Barber in 1941. By 1951, in the Columbus City directory, his occupation was listed as Reverend (Undenom). He died in 1969.
I include an addition small portion of Vera's memories.
"When we were out riding one Sunday afternoon I our talking we found that both of us, in our younger life had been called to preach the Gospel, but life had been filled with the world. Then the Lord began to put the pressure on us to do something about it, but we were set-up in our home, so happy that we still put it off, but God kept pressing and we just could not prosper or be contented in our souls. We neither one had any preparation nor experience, but God still was pulling on us. So we started to pray and fight the Devil. Then one day, I was doing my morning dishes in the sink and the Lord spoke to me and said, "Get thee out of the country and from kindred and father's house into a land that I will show. I will make thee a blessing and thou shall be blessed. Genesis 12: 1-3. It was so clear I had to believe.
We prayed and tried to go away from it, but we could not. We went to a minister whom we had confidence in to talk to. We explained how it was with us, no experience, no funds, a little boy, etc. He listened and said, "Well Brother Rader, all the Lord wants is any old stick that will bend'. We prayed and said, "Lord use us any way you can". We took a hold of faith alone, and we started to make plans…." Her story goes on to describe the events of walking by faith and how God met there every need. She described her peace and joy in walking in obedience and being a 'stick that would bend'.
I wish I could have found a picture of her laughing, that is the way I remember her.
Aleta Irene Wilcox, b. 17 Sep 1904: In 1920, was 15 years old and attending school. After high school she and sister, Vera, attended Business College in Columbus Ohio together. Out of the Wilcox girls, she probably had the most experience in the business world through her jobs.
On 16 April 1924 Irene married James Edward Thompson. Son, Duane was born 27, Feb 1930 while they were in, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. They were there through Aug 1934. At some point during this period, Jim contracted Tuberculosis19 (remember, Vera's husband died of TB in 1936). Jim went to a TB Sanitarium in Ohio. The doctors advised him to go west to a dryer climate. Irene's younger brother, Carrol, had recently graduated from High School, it was the depression and going west seemed like a good idea.
In 1936, Jim Thompson, 33, and, brother-in-law Carrol Wilcox, 20 headed west on a road trip. Sylvia, Jim's daughter provided this wonderful picture of them. I am sure the vehicle belonged to Jim.
We will pick the rest of that story up at a later point. Irene, well employed, stayed behind with son, Duane in Columbus, Ohio.
By 1939, the entire Thompson family was established in Grand Junction, Colorado (where the trek west had ended). Daughter Sylvia was born in 1939 and Beverly was born about 1943. They eventually moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where on 16 Nov 1955, Irene died.
Jim died in 1989 after a full and adventurous life. All three children are currently living;
Duane Thompson in Denver, Co,
Sylvia married Steve Wacnitz and they live in Escondido, CA
Beverly is living with her husband, Gordon Linder in northern California.
Sylvia has written wonderful memories of her mother and family. I include a portion of those here.
I will simply list the remaining Wilcox children living at home on the 1920 census here and elaborate on their lives later:
Gerald Linden Wilcox was 12 years old and a student in 1920.
Vaughn Clayton Wilcox was 9 years old and a student.
Gail Winston Wilcox was 6 years old and a student
Carrol Sherman Wilcox was 3 10/12 years old
Darwin Martin Wilcox was 1 6/12 years old.
1920 Census: Ruby's father and rest of her family:
Ruby's father, John Clayton (Clate) Van Sickle, 69, was still living in Porter Township., Delaware Co. I suspect on the same family farm. At the time, he was in poor health, living with his daughter and son-in-law, Pearl and Frank McKay and their four children. The son-in-law was listed as Head of House, renting and an Auctioneer for farm sales. Ruby's other two siblings, Hallie Throckmorton and Paul Clear Van Sickle were both married and living in nearby counties in Ohio which would be the situation for the rest of their long full lives.
During the first twenty-three years of their marriage, Ruby and Winfield had eleven children, averaging one every two years. In 1924, at age 43, Ruby was pregnant with her last child, Wayne B. Wilcox. Her oldest child Estella was married and pregnant at the same time. Thus, Ruby's first grandchild (Harrold Van Sickle) was the same age as her youngest child (Wayne Wilcox).
1929–1940: The Great Depression
1929 - 1940: The Great Depression
It is hard to know the exact effect the Depression had on the families. I believe the 1930's were lean years. They all worked hard on their farms. The remaining seven children were 'launched' during the 1930's
Uncle Gail told me he didn't finish high school because he was needed to work on the farm. He would have been 16 in 1929. But then he sheepishly admitted, he didn't care much for school anyway and didn't mind.
1930 Census: 1 April 1930
Ruby, 59, and Winfield, 64, were living on the same farm as 1920. Rte. 61, Bennington Township., Morrow Co., Ohio. They owned the farm and its value was listed as, $6,000 (second highest value of other owned farms in the neighborhood). He was still listed as a farmer.
The first radio station in the nation started broadcasting in 1919 in Detroit Michigan. Radio became a primary means of communication during this time. The 1930 census asked if there was a radio in the home. In rural Ohio, approximately, 28% had a radio. The Wilcox family did not. A friend that was a child during that time, remembers their family having a radio, but they ran on batteries and they could only listen to it at certain times, to save the batteries.
As previously noted, the three older children had moved out of the home in the 1920's. In 1930, Vera, 28 & Norton Cross, 27 and 4 4/12-year-old son Clarence (Kenneth) were renting a house (not farm) at 1280 Genesee Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Norton was working as a brakeman on the steam railroad. Approximately 50% of urban dwellers in Ohio had a radio; Vera and Norton do have a radio. At that time a radio cost about 1 ½ months' rent. Vera had their second child, Marilyn, a few days after the census interview. The previous year they were not at this address and the following year, they were about 7 miles away, so they only lived here about one year.
The interesting fact is, they live two doors down from, Victor Bixby's family at 1288 Genesee Ave. Victor, 34, Dorothy, 33, Betty, 12, Barbara Bixby (Carrol Wilcox's future wife), 9, Robert, 7, William 2½. Fred and Edna Misner (Dorothy's parents), Marion Payton (Dorothy's sister) and Marion's 9-year-old daughter, Ruth, all lived with the Bixby's.
The question is: did the two families know each other then?
Dorothy, age, 31 had 4 children, ages 12-2. Born in the city, Buffalo NY; college educated and taught prior to marriage.
Vera 28 having her 2nd child during this time, born and raised on a farm, now living in the city. Went to Business College. Worked as a stenographer prior to marriage.
In less than 2 years the Bixby's would be living where Vera grew up and in 8 years, Barbara Bixby would marry Vera's little brother Carrol.
In, Dec 1931, one year after the census, the Bixby family (and probably Misner's), were living in the Bennington Township, Morrow County. Dorothy Bixby died of complications of gallbladder disease. It was an agonizing time and impacted my mother for the rest of her life. It appears, Dorothy's parents, Fred & Edna Misner continued to live in Morrow County for at least the following 13 years. Betty, 14 and Barbara, 11 years old at the time of their mother's death continue to live with their grandparents. They attend and graduated from Marengo High School. Betty graduated in 1935 and moved to Marion Ohio and worked as a waitress. Barbara graduated in May 1937, age 16. Five months later, 20 Oct 1937, age 17 years 1 month, she married Carrol S. Wilcox, 21 years, 6 months, (Vera's little brother).
1930 Census (many of the pictures in this document are thanks to cousin, Beverly (Thompson) and her husband Gordon Linder who did an amazing job of creating a CD of many family pictures.
Gerald Linden Wilcox, b.1/4/1907: Two years prior, in 1928, Gerald, 21, married Lena McQuigg, 19. In 1930 they were renting a farm on Rattburn Rd, Bennington Township, Morrow County, Ohio. They did not own a radio. Gerald's, occupation was listed as farm laborer. Their daughter Phyllis was born shortly after the census in 1930. In Sep 1934, there was a terrible home fire accident and Lena, 28, was killed. Phyllis was four years old.
Gerald married Mildred Edith Todd, 2 Nov 1935 in Morrow County, Ohio. They had five children, four born in Ohio: Donald E. 1937, Marjorie, 1939, Viola Ruth, 1941 (born in Colo), Dwight, 1942, Betty A. 1944. They lived in Ohio through 1939. In 1940, the family was in Grand Junction, Co (as were Ruby, Gail, Carrol and Darwin)
Military: In 1940, Gerald, 33 registered for the draft for WW2 as required; occupation was carpenter. He was not drafted.
By 14 Nov 1941 Gerald's family had returned to Ohio where he farmed for the rest of his life. He died unexpectedly at age 59, 28 Sep 1966. He was a hard-working farmer and loving family man.
Vaughan Clayton Wilcox, b. 6 Oct 1910: In 1930, age 19, Vaughan was living at home and working as a farmer. It is supposed he was working on the family farm. On 2 Apr 1933, Vaughan married Margaret Lillian Williams, officiated by a Wesleyan Methodist Minister.
Military: He would have been required to register for the draft; I did not find that record.
In 1940, age 29 Vaughan and Margaret were renting and operating a farm in Bennington Township, Morrow Co., Ohio. There are family stories of championship pigs he raised and showed at the county fairs over the years. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1983. They did not have any children and lived lovingly together for 68 years until Margaret's death in 2001. Vaughan died 2 Dec 2007 at the age of 97. They are both buried in Marengo Cemetery. Vaughan was the only one of the six Wilcox brothers who did not at one time or another moved to Colorado.
Gail Winston Wilcox, b. 5 Jan 1913: In 1930, age 16, Gail was living at home and attending school. In 1934, age 21, living in Porter Township, Delaware Co., Ohio, he was farming. On 28 Sep 1934, he married Mona L. Foulk, 23 in her home county of Licking, Ohio. They were married by Rev. H.D. Wicken, C.U. Minister. In Nov 1935, age 21, he was recorded as being near Marengo, Morrow County, Ohio. Unfortunately, there is a gap in any records during the next four years, the deepest of the Great Depression.
In 1939, Wilcox, Gail (Mona L) were listed in the city directory for Grand Junction, Colorado. He was listed as a carpenter and they were living at 937 Rood Ave. Gail's brother Darwin was also there working as a carpenter and living at the same address
Carrol Sherman Wilcox, b. 17 Feb 1916 (my father): In 1930 was 14 and going to school. In May 1934, age 18, he graduated from Bennington Township. Rural High School. He had dreamed of becoming a professional baseball pitcher, but an injured elbow ended that dream.
It was the bottom of the Great Depression that had been going on for years and would continue for another six years. Rural Ohio did not offer any jobs. He participated in the CCC program in 1934 in Ohio. I don't know the duration.
The year after he graduated, 1935, Social Security was signed into law. Somewhere during this time, Carrol had an "eye" for Betty Bixby, one year his junior, but not in his school. He had a motorcycle and would ride up and down the road (Rt 61) in front of their house. Betty and Barbara Bixby were living with their Grandparents, Fred and Edna Misner, who had lost their wealth in the stock market crash. For whatever reason things didn't work out with Betty. I don't remember if the grandparents didn't think he was a proper suitor or Betty wasn't interested - I suspect both reasons. As it turns out however, younger sister Barbara, thought he was something special.
In 1936, Carrol accompanied brother-in-law Jim Thompson west. Family legend is they thought they had or would have work at Clymer's Rose Glen Dairy. Mr. Clymer was born and raised in Delaware County, Ohio and had established the Dairy in Grand Junction in 1916. If they ever did work at the Dairy, it didn't end well. Dad would never buy any Clymer's products. But they did stay in Grand Junction. They found work in construction. Jim taught Carrol much about business, construction and carpentry.
Carrol was there for most of 1936 and 1st half of 1937.
Barbara Joyce Bixby was in her senior year of High School. If I remember the story correctly, they had "somewhat dated" prior to his leaving. They wrote while he was gone, and he was 'saving up' to be able to marry her and bring her to Colorado. I'm not sure if the marriage decision happened prior to his leaving or while he was in Colorado, but it was clear, when she graduated, he had the money and he came home for her.
Barbara, 16, graduated from high school May 1937. Five months later, on 20 Oct 1937, Carrol, 21 and Barbara, 17, were married in the Wesleyan Methodist Manse, Fargo, Ohio by Rev. J.M. Williams. For a short period after they were married, they lived with Hubert & Estella Van Sickle (Carrol's older sister). Genny Rogers (Estella's daughter) 12 at the time, remembers them during this time and enjoyed having them there; she was sorry when they moved out. When asked if she remembered anything specific about them, she recalled a time when after a big family dinner, Carrol got up and started singing, "Oh the cooties and the bedbugs, they had a game of ball….". Of course, she was laughing when she told the story. She was definitely her mother's daughter. I was laughing because I could remember Dad breaking out in that song from time to time. I looked it up on the internet, it was a song popular and about the Depression.
Before July 1938, Carrol and Barbara were back in Grand Junction, Colorado where their first son, Richard Bixby Wilcox was born. Carrol was working as a carpenter and painter, I believe, frequently with his brother-in-law, Jim Thompson. Ronald Sherman Wilcox was added to the family, Mar 17, 1941.
The younger Winfield and Ruby Wilcox children in 1930 in Bennington Township, Morrow County, Ohio
Darwin was 11 and in school,
Rubydell, 9, in school
Wayne, 6, not in school
The 1930's had been a time of financial depression throughout the country. Somewhere in the mid-1930 when Winfield Wilcox was in his mid-60's, he studied (I believe through a correspondence program from Canada) to become a Veterinarian. I don't know how long it took him or what the finances of the family were to enable that to happen. I hypothesize that over the years he had already gained a lot of knowledge about farm animals and was already helping neighbors with their animals.
1935 Residences (as recorded in the 1940 Census):
Winfield, Ruby, Wayne & probably Ruby Dell: had moved near Pagetown, Delaware Co., Ohio
Darwin, 16, was in Marengo, Ohio, (not rural, not farm)
Carrol, 18, was in Morrow County, Ohio (rural, farm)
Gail, 22, was in Morrow County, Ohio (rural, farm)
Gerald, 28, was in Morrow County, Ohio (rural, farm)
Estella, 34 was in Morrow County, Ohio (rural, farm)
Vaughn, 24 was in Morrow County, Ohio (rural, farm)
Vera, 32 was in Columbus, Ohio (City)
Irene, 31 was in Grand Junction, Colorado
Darwin Martin Wilcox, born 8 Jun 1918 seems to have launched out of the home by age 16, but it is unclear how. My best guess is that, he was in high school in Morrow County when his parents moved to Delaware County and he found way to stay and finish 4 years of high school. Estella, Vaughn, Gerald and Gail were each married by 1935. Carrol was in the CCC. Perhaps Darwin was living with one of his married siblings (my guess would be Estella).
It is hard to keep 10 children straight without a score card. Here is the scorecard:
Ruby and Winfield from 1935–1940
Ruby and Winfield from 1935-1940
It is clear that by the end of the 1930's, the family had undergone major upheavals even beyond a change in the bread winner's occupation and most of the children leaving home. One of the primary points in writing this story is to describe the character and fortitude of Ruby as Christian matriarch of the family. To make that point, some of the major upheavals and challenges she faced needs to be described in enough depth to demonstrate her character. My wish is not to cause pain or embarrassment, but to create the opportunity to open discussion about character and strength.
By 1935, Winfield and Ruby had been married for 36 years. The Great Depression had been deepening for six years. Five years prior, they were in Bennington Township (farm valued at $6,000 in 1930 with only 1 other farm of 8 nearby valued higher). By 1935 they had moved to a farm in Porter Township valued at $300 with neighbors ranging from $1,000-$2,000.
In 1935 Only Rubydell (14) and Wayne (11) were still in the home. Rubydell would be out on her own by the time she is 16.
It is my grandmother Ruby I think about now. I believe as her baptism confession represented, she accepted Jesus as her Savior as a girl. As noted in the questions about her courting and acceptance of Winfield as a husband, it is unclear to me what her priorities were as a young woman. As Vera wrote in her memories about not following God as a young woman, "but life got filled with the world". Ruby may have also had a younger life that, 'got filled with the world'. I identify with that story, it is my story as well, and perhaps my mother's. It is as an observation and not judgement that I believe she married a man who would not attend church with her and never did. When her children were young, she took them to church, but when the boys got old enough to object, I don't believe they continued to go. She was unequally yoked to someone who did not share this spiritual part of her life. I believe this was a chasm between them. Either way, I believe she alone carried this passion for her children to become Christians.
From events that happened a few years later, I believe Winfield was drinking and not being faithful to his marriage. That may have been the reason, the children were leaving the home as soon as possible.
Some time between 1935-1940 five of Ruby's children had re-located to Grand Junction, Colorado. Jim Thompson moved west for his health and by 1935 had relocated his family (Irene). Before 1938 Carrol had returned with Barbara. Before 1940, Darwin, Gerald, Gail and Ruby herself were living in Colorado.
1 April 1940 Census
Winfield and Ruby had separated. Winfield was still in Ohio; Ruby was in Grand Junction, Colorado
Winfield Wilcox, age 65, living on a farm he owned in Porter Township., Delaware Co., Ohio, listed as married, and the highest grade of school completed was 8th grade (typical of the time) excluding his Veterinary Credential. This is the first census he is listed as Veterinarian. He was working full time (52 wks) in private practice. He does not report any income from his veterinary practice. He also reported some "other type" of income. (Perhaps renting out his farm land?) He lived in the same house 5 years prior in 1935. The house is later described as a three room house. (I believe Ruby was there in 1935).
Wayne Berman Wilcox b. 30 Mar 1924: 16 years old had completed 10th grade and was not in school (and had not attended at least the previous month). He was not working, not seeking work and had no other source of income. Wayne was the only child left at home with his father in Ohio.
Ruby Wilcox, age 59, was living near her adult children in Grand Junction, Colorado. She was listed in the census as Widowed. Gerald, (Mildred, 4 children; 1 a newborn) were next door; Carrol, Barbara and 2 yr old Richard were 3 doors down; Darwin, 21 single, was on the other side of Carrol. Gail & Mona were a few streets away. Carrol and Barbara had been in GJ about 3 years, I believe Gail and Darwin at least one year if not two. I think Gerald's family has been there about a year
Darwin was working for the railroad, Carrol as a painter, Gerald as a Carpenter and Gail preaching.
All but Gail are living in the 'Dollar Cabins' on Rood Ave. Gail was at the La Harpe Hotel, 260 Main. I don't know when Ruby moved from Ohio. My guess would be she either came with Darwin or Gerald in 1938 or1939.
Gail Winston Wilcox and his wife, Mona were living in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Military: 1940, age 27 Gail registered for the draft for WWII. He was recorded as 5'10", 150lbs with hazel eyes and brown hair. He listed Irene Thompson (his sister) as next of kin. He was not drafted.
From 1940 to about 1945, Gail served as the pastor of the Church of God in Grand Junction.
In 1946, Gail (Mona) were at home at 455 Pitkin Av. Cabin 1, GJ., but no occupation was listed. Someone else was listed as the Pastor of the Church of God. They divorced around this time.
By 1949, Gail had married Ellen Bristol, who had a son, Paul (Porky) Brown abt. 9, from a previous marriage. He gained the nickname, not because he was chubby, but because as a small child he loved Pork and Beans…somehow the nickname stuck. He was a cousin the age of my older siblings. I don't recall them ever thinking or using the nickname as a pejorative term. It was 'just his name'. They were living on R.R.5 in Grand Junction. Unfortunately, in 1953, Paul, 13, was killed in an accident. Gail never had any children other than this step child. They divorced, and Ellen moved to Arizona. She married Hugo Nocito and lived a long and happy life with him, never having any more children. On her death in 2009, her ashes were returned to Colorado to be buried with her son.
Gail had two more short lived marriages during the rest of his life. He occasionally worked out of town, e.g. Utah for periods, but primarily called Colorado his home from his first migration here in the later 1930's. As a younger man he worked operating heavy equipment, plumbing, carpentry, etc. As a senior, he was a handyman to supplement his Social Security.
During the years I knew him fairly well, (about 1980 to 2000 when he was in his 70's to early 80's), he was single, kind, didn't smoke, didn't drink alcohol, loved company. He lived a quiet life, if you didn't consider going to the Senior Center weekly to dance too rowdy.
Gail didn't attend church when I knew him. It was toward the end of his life that he told me he had at one time pastored the Church of God as a young man. SIDE NOTE: The Church of God, originally on Gunnison then moved to the corner of 4th and Hill, was a central church in the 'Colorado Wilcox' clan from mid-1930's through my grandmother's (Ruby) death in 1969. It still has a special place in my heart. So, I was kind of surprised I hadn't been aware of this 'proud' fact about my uncle. When I asked him why he quit, he sheepishly replied that he had been 'running around' with some of the ladies of the church. Well! That added a lot of perspective to my uncle, to my Wilcox clan and for the purposes of this story to my Grandmother, Ruby. I had known, my Uncle Gail was rather the 'black sheep' of the family. I thought, because of his several divorces and marriages. But as I look backward as an adult with my own history of 'black sheepedness', I don't want to focus on my uncle as much as to put into perspective the family dynamics as best I can and end with a focus on Ruby as the central character.
Of the six brothers, 2 experienced broken marriages/remarriages. In the 1940's and 1950's there was still quite a stigma attached to that. Yet, from my family's perspective they (Gail and Wayne) were always included in all family activities, hunting trips, picnics, Christmas, Easter, etc. We nieces and nephews missed the 'lost' Aunts (Ellen and Verna) and in Wayne's case cousins, David and Roger. My family was forgiving of mistakes and loved despite brokenness.
Now I look back and imagine Ruby's pain from her own marriage soothed by joy and pride in having her third son, Gail, become the pastor of the Church in Grand Junction. She was living in Grand Junction and attending that church. I can also imagine her heartbreak and disappointment if she realized the reason he stepped down. Gail's marriage ended in divorce shortly after that time.
Ruby continued to be a member of that church in those years and again when she moved back to Grand Junction later in her life (early 1960's). She was a stalwart in the faith there. I never saw or heard her treat Gail any differently than any of her children.
Ruby Dell Wilcox b. 20 Jan 1921: On 12 Mar 1937 the Marion News, (Marion, Ohio) has a note under the Marengo news that, "Miss Ruby Dell Wilcox spent the weekend at her home near Pagetown". She was 16 and out on her own.
I believe she was working as a Telephone Operator. On 29 Jan 1940 she married Paul Chester Flesher, 23 (1916-2003). He was working as a Truck Driver and Ruby Dell, 19 was working as a Housekeeper. They continued to live in Ohio near Sunbury and had their first child, Larry Paul Flesher, born 7 Mar 1942 there. They eventually moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where, Irene Flesher was born about 1945. Paul work construction in concrete, etc. for many years. Rubydell made extra money ironing clothes while her children were young. Later she became a 'hostess' for the Welcome Wagon and Meadow Gold Dairy visiting new residents to Grand Junction and welcoming them with a gift basket.
For a few months in the fall of 1967 I lived with Aunt Rubydell and Uncle Paul while I went to college. It was such a fun experience living with them. Since it was Rubydell who was the 'Wilcox', it was an experience for me to see a 'non-Wilcox' husband. Uncle Paul did amazing 'non-Wilcox' things such as be active in the house work and homemaking. He and Aunt Rubydell clipped coupons from the newspaper weekly and discussed the best places to go grocery shopping; they went grocery shopping together and he carried in the groceries. They canned vegetables and fruit together. Aunt Rubydell suffered from frequent migraine headache and heart failure. Paul cooked many times, did dishes, vacuumed, etc. They lived in a typical city house/lot, but Paul had an amazing 'vertical' garden in the back yard that provided food beyond their need. I was blessed to share their family. Their son, Larry married Marie Squirrell in 1960 and they live in Auburn Washington. Larry picked up every one of his father's special traits and replicated them in his wonderful family.
Rubydell died at home with Uncle Paul lovingly caring for her in 1984 at the age of 63. What a special couple they were. Paul stayed in their house for several years alone, then eventually joined their daughter, Irene, in Las Vegas in the late 1990's where they kept each other company for many years. After his death in 2003, his body was returned to Grand Junction and he was buried with Ruby Dell at the Veterans Cemetery, Orchard Mesa, Co.
I suspect Rubydell being out on her own at such a young age may have been caused by the upheaval at home. Whatever the rebellion or origin of Rubydell's launching at such a young age, her end-point was another of 'Ruby's Godly daughters'. She was very active in Bookcliff Baptist Church in her later years and reflected God's grace and love to those around her.
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me,
I shall come out as gold.
Job 23:10
1941–1942
1941-1942
June 1941: Carrol and Barbara packed everything up (3-year-old Richard and newborn Ronald) and went looking for work. They drove through, Las Vegas, Texarkana and stopped to work a few days/weeks along the way, probably to make gas money. They stayed in Ohio moving around looking for work during most of the war. He worked on various defense plants that were being built including Wright Patterson Air Force Base and Defense work at Ravenna Arsenal near Akron Oh. Betty Joann Wilcox was born Feb 13, 1943 in Ohio.
In July 1941, there was a big family dinner at Hubert and Estella Van Sickles near Marengo Ohio. "Present were: Mrs. Ruby Wilcox, Mrs. Gail Wilcox and Darwin Wilcox of Grand Junction Colo., Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn Wilcox of Fargo, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Wilcox and children, Mrs. Vera Cross and Mrs. Paul Flesher of Sunbury, Mr. and Mrs. Vernor Throckmorton of Sparta and Winfield and Wayne Wilcox."
I believe this was a type of 'homecoming' for Ruby coming back to Ohio, or at least visiting. I believe Darwin drove Ruby and Mona back. Mrs. Vernor Throckmorton was Ruby's younger sister Hallie. Winfield and Wayne were 'local' and listed separately from Ruby. I believe the undercurrents and tensions must have been running high for this meeting between Ruby and Winfield. Whatever the hopes were for this visit, a reconciliation between Winfield and Ruby did not take place.
22 Sep 1941: Ten weeks later, their world exploded when Winfield, age 67 was involved in an incident with another woman that resulted in his arrest.
23 Oct 1941: Wayne Wilcox, with Ruby signing a waiver because he was only 17 ½ years old, he enlisted in the US Navy. He enlisted from Denver, Colorado listing his mother, Ruby Wilcox of 445 Pitkin Ave. Grand Junction as his next of kin. Six weeks later, Pearl Harbor was bombed. He served in both the European Theater and Pacific (Guam/Saipan, Marshall Islands) during WW2.
17-19 Nov 1941: Winfield Wilcox trial. At the time of the trial, Darwin and Gail had come from Colorado and were visiting Estella in Ohio. Gerald had just moved back to Ohio from Colorado. I believe Ruby may have been in Ohio but cannot verify that. Whether the boys came to support their mother or attend the trial, their feelings about their father is unknown. It is fact they came to Ohio at the time of the trial. Carrol was living in Ravenna, Ohio at the time. He may have also attended.
Winfield was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to four years in Ohio State Penitentiary in Columbus. How long he served is unknown.
How did Ruby and the family deal with this tragedy? Since this was secret, I can only list the few facts that I have found.
Between Sept - Nov, 1941 Gerald's family moved from Colorado, back to Ohio, where they lived for the rest of Gerald's life.
By Mar 1942, (4 months after the trial), Ruby was recorded as living in Sunbury Ohio.
The next recorded event is Winfield and Ruby's 50th Wedding Anniversary, in 1949 with all 10 children present.
There were multiple family reunions in Ohio where all the Colorado clan would travel back in the early 1950's.
Winfield and Ruby lived together in Ohio until Winfield's death in 1954. All ten children attended his funeral.
Figure 12 (L-R) Gail, Darwin, Gerald, Carrol, Irene, Vaughn, Vera, Rubydell, Estella, Ruby, (kneeling) Wayne
After Winfield's death, Ruby lived in Ohio for a few years, then moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. Initially she lived with Rubydell and Paul. Soon thereafter, Paul built Ruby a mother-in-law house in their back yard. She lived there until her final years when she could not live alone.
The years she lived in her little house at Aunt Rubydell's is when I knew her. I was about 8. I was 19 when she passed away 22 May 1969 at the age of 88.
Never was any 'trouble' ever mentioned about Grandma & Grandpa at family dinners or privately. All the 'children' (our parents) spoke of their parents with respect. As the grand children (my generation) grew up I believe some knew and some did not, but it was not talked about in a group. I first heard second hand from someone Uncle Gail told, then a cousin mentioned it. I was stunned and in denial. Then I discovered records in my ancestry work that expanded on the information. So why do I bring it up now. I believe there is a story of redemption and forgiveness here. I believe secrets are toxic. I believe all those that it mattered to are gone.
In an alternate universe where difficult family problems were discussed with the next generation, I wonder what effect that may have had on the grand-children and even great-grandchildren. What teachable moments and object lessons might have occurred. I recognize the generation of Wilcox's of the late 1800's through the 20th century were not emotive, open to discussing 'private things' with even family. I include myself among them. However, I am choosing to bring this forward as a story of character building, redemption and forgiveness.
Considering Ruby (grandma) at the end of her life as I knew her and then learning some of the tribulations she had been through. What conclusions do I draw from this story? I believe she was refined by fire and polished to gold by trusting Jesus as her Savior and Lord. Being the 'modern-day, experienced' woman that I am, had I been asked to provide counsel about Ruby's decisions to reconcile in the mid 1940's... hmmm. Well, it is probably good I wasn't asked. My righteous indignation is still not far below the surface. Did he truly repent? I don't believe that behavior began at age 66. She obviously forgave him, and they lived in apparent harmony for the rest of his life, another ten years. I know she grieved his loss.
Then I remember the scripture about the removing the log in my eye before I try to take the speck out of another's eye. I have been in situations where I gratefully received grace, mercy and forgiveness when it wasn't deserved, so how can I begrudge my grandfather receiving my grandmother's mercy.
We have all sinned and fallen short of God's standard. We all deserve the punishment of death for those sins. Praise God, He is willing to forgive and cleanse us from our unrighteousness. In Him we can receive eternal life and be indwelt with His Holy Spirit as we walk on this earth. I believe that is what my Grandmother did. I look forward to spending eternity with her in heaven.
Thank you, grandmother, for your example, prayers and uprightness. Praise God for His provision.
As I read this over, I realize, I have focused primarily on the females of this family somewhat unconsciously. As I think of my father and his five brothers. I have previously described, Gail, as the self-confessed black sheep. Gerald, Vaughan, Carrol and Darwin were each married for life to their wives. Wayne's second marriage lasted for more than 30 years to the end of his life. As far as I know, Wayne's children were the only ones estranged from their parents. I believe most of my siblings and cousins, felt lucky to have been raised in stable families with hard working parents. While the men were not the 'touchy feely' renaissance men society today says they should be; they were THERE. My dad didn't go to many school functions, help around the house or ask how I felt about anything. But I knew he loved me (primarily because my mom told me so), he played board games or card games in the evening (perhaps a side effect of TV only having one channel in those days) and he taught me how to WORK. He taught me to be responsible and honest. Not using words; but expecting it and requiring it. Those lessons served me well during my lifetime.
I don't know about Gerald or Vaughan because they were in Ohio, but Carrol, Darwin and Wayne rarely went to church. My dad was reluctant to talk about spiritual things. He referenced the scripture about praying in the closet, not making a public show of it. He believed Jesus was God's son, and that he died to pay the penalty for our sins. I believe my dad had asked Jesus to forgive his sins and be his Savior.
AGAIN I INVITE SIBLINGS and COUSINS TO ADD YOUR STORIES, MEMORIES, ETC.
Post Script: I could not find a good place to insert Darwin and Wayne's adult information. So, I place it here.
Darwin Martin Wilcox (8 Jun 1918 - 19 Oct 1980)
Served in WWII in the US Army from 2 Apr 1942 (he was 23, 6 ft, 153 lbs.) until released 5 Jan 1946.
He married Florence D Supper (b 26 Jul 1923) of Philadelphia, PA in Jan 1946
She served in the US Navy from 28 Dec 1944 - 19 Jan 1946
Figure 13 Marengo Ohio, The Marion Star Newspaper, 31 Dec 1942
The following is from their daughter
Janet (Wilcox) Borden:
"My parents met at the early onset of World War II. My father was enlisted in the Army at that time. My mother and her best friend from high school, Mitsy, took the train into the city (Philadelphia) to go to a USO dance. It is there that she met my father. They really seemed to hit it off right away and every weekend, Mom and her friend and sometimes her sister, Lil, would all go to the USO dances. That was the start of the great romance and enduring friendship of my mother and father.
When my father was deployed overseas to France, they knew it would be a long time before he came back to the states. There was no verbal commitment on their parts to not see other potential mates, but my mother told me that she just was not that interested in others during the time that my father was away. She seemed to sense that he was the one for her. He was gone for almost two years. They corresponded as regularly as the mail would allow during that time and mail overseas was somewhat slow, but it kept them connected to one another. And my father told her that he would return to her and hoped she would still be there when he returned from the War. He too must have sensed the she was the one for him.
My mother also enlisted during that period and was in the service as well, I believe the Navy if I am correct. She said she was rather plump all of her life and that she had to work to lose five pounds in order to meet the requirements for enlistment.
When my father returned late in the year of 1944, his first stop was Philadelphia to see my mother. They rekindled their relationship immediately, and when my mother asked him when he would be leaving to go to Colorado, he replied "as soon as you are ready to go with me." He asked her to marry him and they were married two weeks later on January 12th, 1945.
They left very soon after that for Colorado and started their lives together. My mother told me that she was so very homesick, that she was literally almost really sick. They began trying to have children and she said she just could not seem to get pregnant. But then at last they returned to Philadelphia to see her family and it was on that trip when she at last felt at home again that she conceived Gary, who was born 9 months later on September 21st, 1947.
Their love and friendship endured for thirty-five years until my father was tragically killed in a car crash returning from a trip to Las Vegas in October 1981. My mother never remarried. She said that she had her great love and she just never seemed to find anyone that could even begin to replace my father in her heart. We should all be so lucky to have such a great love in our lives."
Wayne Berman Wilcox: After the war,
Wayne married Verna Rushing, 1 Jan 1948 in Spokane Washington. David Wayne Wilcox was born 12 Nov 1948 in Grand Junction and Roger Wilcox followed about 1950. Wayne worked for the US Post Office early as a clerk and later as a mail carrier. By 1951 through1957 they lived at 2410 Texas Ave. That is where I remember them the most. David and I were weeks apart in age. We could ride our bicycles (barely) over to each other's houses to play, we were 7-8 years old. By 1959 they lived at 360 Belford Ave, GJ. Sometime around 1961-2 they divorced. Verna later remarried, and they moved with David and Roger to Rifle Colorado. In later years I reconnected with David. He had a lot of bitterness against both parents I am not sure he ever resolved, and I never understood. David served in the Navy during the Viet Nam war, settled back in Grand Junction after living elsewhere for several years. He died of lung cancer in March of 2013. I reconnected with Aunt Verna at that time. We didn't talk a lot about family history, but she did volunteer that she felt like she married Wayne in the blush and rush of after the War exuberance. He looked wonderful in his uniform, but they didn't really know each other, and she felt like she had never really loved him.
After Roger moved to Rifle as a child, I never saw him again. Like David, he apparently harbored a lot of bitterness toward both parents and 'disowned' the family - all the family. I was always sad about that. Over the years, I have tried to look him up and thought I would contact him. But never found good information or followed through.
Wayne married Barbara Ann (Schrorr) Leach, 23 Oct 1962. Her young son, Rob, lived with them. I am not sure he got along with Wayne very well. Wayne developed back problems that prevented his work at the post office. She was a Dental Technician. Wayne went to Dental Technician School in California. They opened their own Dental Lab at their home. She was a wonderful wife to him for 46 years.
Wayne was gregarious, the hit of the donut shop he stopped at every morning and always had a new joke to tell. I could never imagine where he got all those jokes, or how he remembered them all. He died at home at the age of 84, 27 Sep 2008. was the last of his generation. His ashes were interred at the Veteran's Cemetery in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was the last of the Wilcox siblings.
Stories
STORIES
My grandfather died in Ohio when I was 5 years old. We lived in Colorado. I don't remember him at all. I remember my mother saying he was called 'Windy' Winfield and you wanted to be sure to be far away when he drove, implying we was fast and reckless. Hmm, wonder how fast a car could go in the 1930's.
The family stories I remember of my grandmother were bout her as an adult raising six boys and four girls. The stories my mother told of her mother-in-law was of the challenge of raising so many children without indoor plumbing, electricity, etc. She talked of outdoor kitchens that were used in the summer because it was so hot inside, making homemade bread and everything else 'homemade'. She also talked of always feeling welcome there.
In later years, when Grandma was a widow, at Christmas family dinners when she would visit from Ohio or later when she lived in Colorado, I remember Aunts and Uncles sitting around after dinner telling stories and laughing. Some of the stories had been told so many times, the only thing needed was for someone to start, "Remember …" and add a few words and everyone would remember and dissolve into laughter. One was about the boys thinking they would make some home brew so put some yeast, raisins etc. into bottles with corks and hid them under their beds. They didn't remember them again until their mom discovered a horrible smelling mess under their beds quite some time later. I do remember times when the boys (my dad) would tell a story (they were in their 40's and grandma 70's) and grandma would appear surprised and say, "Oh Carrol, you DIDN'T!!" as though it was new information to her. Other than those family gatherings talking with his siblings, I don't remember my father talking about his parents.
There were multiple stories. However, one of the handicaps of remembering them is that few of them were seldom completed because they all knew them and were laughing so hard. Another handicap was that I was one of the youngest of the children, so I wasn't much interested and didn't pay attention. So, this is an open invitation to siblings and cousins to add any stories they can.
I remember Grandma as always so prim and proper. I am sure she never wore slacks ("man's clothes") in her life; always a dress, always stocking and sturdy shoes. She always wore her hair with waves with a bun in the back and a hair net on. It was white from the first time I can remember her. She was usually quiet, just listening.
When I was 18, I had been selected to be "Miss Teller Arms" (do Public Relations) for Teller Arms shopping center in Grand Junction. At that time Grandma was in the Teller Arms Nursing Home just behind the shopping center. On Mother's Day, 1967, I handed out carnations at the shopping center dressed in my Western Queen outfit. At lunch, I thought I would pop over and give my grandmother a carnation. When she saw me in my Western outfit with a handful of carnations, she proudly walked me to every room in the nursing home, so each lady could get a carnation. I think she was proud of me .
She passes away 22 May 1968. I was in USAF basic training in Texas and didn't know about it until after her funeral. Bonny (Wilcox) Collins